Tributes paid to actor and former chairman of Eastbourne writing club

Alan died on March 25 at the age of 82 after a cancer battle and his funeral was held on June 26, with many friends watching via Zoom due to the Covid-19 restrictions.

River Jones, an independent celebrant, conducted the service. She said that Alan was an extraordinary, charismatic man who was much loved and dearly missed by many people whose lives are all the richer for having known him.

Alan starred in the title role of The Winslow Boy in the West End at the age of 14. During his long career he rubbed shoulders with Sir Laurence Olivier, Dame Edith Evans, Sir Ralph Richardson, Dame Flora Robson, Joe Orton and Tom Courtenay.

She added: “We can only begin to imagine what it must have been like for young Alan to grow up in a time when it was both illegal and socially unacceptable to be gay.”

Alan’s great friend Sammy Nunn, a fellow actor and theatrical agent who organised his funeral and the Zoom screening, read a meaningful poem.

Tony Flood, whom Alan had succeeded as chairman of Anderida Writers, also paid tribute to him.

Tony said: “Alan Baker was much more than a talented actor, director and award winning writer. He was also a courageous man who turned his life around, faced up to adversity, spoke out against prejudice and was a wonderful, loyal friend to both myself and my wife Heather.”

After achieving great success as an actor in the West End and with the BBC, Alan went on to enjoy further successes as a director, voiceover artist and award-winning writer.

Tony added: “His wit and charismatic personality meant he was also in demand as a speaker.

“He succeeded me as Chairman of Anderida Writers Group and read out the entries each year for the annual Short Story and Poetry competition in his wonderful rich voice.

“Alan showed his courage again when struck by cancer which eventually led to him passing away after having hospital treatment due to a fall at his Peacehaven home.”